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FourFourTwo
FourFourTwo
Sport
Peter Fitzpatrick

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup FIFA pardon is as scandalous as it is unsurprising

Cristiano Ronaldo Gianni Infantino Fifa World Cup Donald Trump Portugal United States MLS
LISBON, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 14: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Hungary at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 14, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images).

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-match ban for his red card against Ireland has been reduced to conveniently ensure he will be available for Portugal’s opening two World Cup games in June.

Ronaldo was sent off after his yellow card was upgraded following a VAR check for an elbow into the ribs of Dara O’Shea in Portugal’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss in Dublin on Thursday, 13 November.

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